In the following vocabulary question, out of the four alternatives, select the word opposite in meaning to the given phrasal verb: To Indict.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests legal vocabulary and antonyms. The verb “to indict” is used mainly in legal contexts and means to formally accuse or charge someone with a crime, usually through a grand jury or similar process. The task is to select the option that expresses the opposite idea, namely clearing someone of blame or guilt.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Word given: “To indict”. - Meaning: to formally accuse someone of a serious crime. - Options include verbs related to accusation and one verb related to clearing someone of blame.

Concept / Approach:
Since “to indict” is associated with bringing charges against a person, its antonym must represent the act of freeing someone from blame or declaring them not guilty. The verb “to exonerate” means to officially clear someone of blame, suspicion, or guilt. Other options such as “to arraign”, “to censure”, “to impeach”, and “to charge” describe forms of accusation or criticism and are therefore similar in direction to “indict”, not opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define “to indict” clearly: to formally charge a person with a crime, often as part of a legal proceeding. Step 2: Examine “To Exonerate”. This verb means to declare someone free from blame or responsibility, especially after investigation. Step 3: Recognise that exoneration usually occurs after accusations, and it negates or cancels those accusations. Step 4: Examine “To Arraign”. This means to call someone before a court to answer a criminal charge, which is closely related to accusing, not clearing. Step 5: Examine “To Censure”. This means to criticise or condemn, again aligned with blaming rather than clearing. Step 6: Examine “To Impeach”. This describes formally accusing a public official of misconduct, another form of putting someone on trial. Step 7: Examine “To Charge”. This also means to accuse someone formally, often in criminal law. Step 8: Since “To Exonerate” alone represents the act of freeing someone from blame, it is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a simple scenario: a person is first indicted for a crime, then later evidence shows they are innocent. The court then exonerates that person. Here, “indict” and “exonerate” describe opposite stages in the legal process: accusation versus clearing of accusation. None of the other options fit this pattern of opposites; they all involve either starting or continuing a form of blame or charge.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To Arraign: Involves bringing a person to court to hear charges, which is similar to indicting rather than opposite. To Censure: Means to criticise or condemn, which also involves blame, not clearance. To Impeach: Means to accuse a public official formally, again a form of indictment. To Charge: Means to accuse, especially with a crime, almost a direct synonym of “indict”.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many of the options are legal terms, students may feel unsure and pick at random. Some may think that “arraign” or “impeach” are opposites simply because they are unfamiliar. Remember that all these processes involve accusation. Only “exonerate” clearly expresses release from blame. Building a small mental map of legal verbs and their relationships helps greatly in such questions.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “To Indict” is To Exonerate.